Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms and Treatment in the UK
Mange is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites that burrow into or live on the skin of dogs, causing intense itching, hair loss and secondary infections. There are two main types in UK dogs — sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange — and they differ significantly in cause, severity and treatment approach. Both are treatable, but prompt diagnosis is important.
Key takeaways
- Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is intensely itchy and contagious between dogs; demodectic mange is not contagious and is linked to immune system function.
- Modern isoxazoline treatments (Bravecto, Nexgard) are highly effective for both types of mange — treatment costs £25–£70 per month.
- All in-contact dogs must be treated for sarcoptic mange simultaneously; for demodectic mange, investigate underlying immune issues in adult-onset cases.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite that burrows into the skin, causing intense, relentless itching (pruritus). It is highly contagious between dogs and can temporarily affect humans and other animals that come into close contact with an infected dog. The mites are microscopic and spread through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated environment.
In dogs, sarcoptic mange causes intense itching — often described as the worst itch in veterinary dermatology — leading to frantic scratching, biting and rubbing. The most commonly affected areas initially are the ear margins, elbows, hocks and belly. The skin becomes red, crusty, and thickened; hair loss follows. Self-trauma from scratching leads to wounds, scabs and secondary bacterial infections. A classic diagnostic sign is the 'pedal-pinna reflex': scratching the ear margin triggers a reflexive scratching movement with the hind leg, seen in roughly 75 per cent of sarcoptic mange cases.
Demodectic Mange (Demodex)
Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, a mite that lives in hair follicles and is a normal inhabitant of dog skin in low numbers. It becomes a problem when the immune system fails to keep mite populations in check, allowing them to proliferate. Transmission is from mother to puppy through close contact in the first days of life — it is not contagious to adult dogs with normal immune function.
There are two forms: localised (limited to a few patches of hair loss, often around the face, and usually self-resolving in young dogs) and generalised (widespread hair loss, skin thickening, pustules and significant secondary infection). Generalised demodex is more serious and requires active treatment. It tends to appear in puppies (where it reflects immune immaturity), in young adult dogs of certain breeds (Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Shar Peis, Bulldogs, Boxers) or in adult dogs with an underlying cause of immune suppression such as Cushing's disease, cancer or steroid treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of both types of mange involves a consultation (£40–£65) and skin tests. Deep skin scrapings — scraping the skin firmly until capillary bleeding occurs — are examined under a microscope to find mites. Demodex mites are usually found readily on scraping; Sarcoptes mites are notoriously difficult to find and are present in only about 50 per cent of scrapings from genuinely infected dogs.
Because of this, many vets will treat presumptively for sarcoptic mange based on clinical presentation and history (contact with foxes, other dogs from shelters or grooming facilities). A positive response to treatment within three to four weeks is used as confirmatory evidence. Blood tests may be requested for adult dogs with generalised demodicosis to rule out underlying immune-suppressive disease. Total diagnostic costs including consultation and tests are typically £80–£200.
Treatment and Costs
Modern treatments for both types of mange are highly effective. The isoxazoline class of antiparasitic drugs — fluralaner (Bravecto), afoxolaner (Nexgard), sarolaner (Simparica) or lotilaner (Credelio) — are highly effective against both Sarcoptes and Demodex and have largely replaced older treatments such as amitraz washes and weekly ivermectin injections. A single course of oral or spot-on isoxazoline treatment costs approximately £25–£70 per month depending on the product and the dog's weight.
For sarcoptic mange, two to four treatments at monthly intervals are typically required; all in-contact dogs must be treated. Environmental decontamination (washing bedding at 60°C, treating surfaces with an insecticide spray) is also recommended as mites can survive off the host for 48–72 hours. For generalised demodex, treatment is continued until two consecutive monthly skin scrapings are negative — this may take three to twelve months. Anti-inflammatory treatment and antibiotics for secondary skin infections add to the overall cost, which may reach £200–£600 for a full course of treatment.
Find a Vet Near You
Mange requires prompt diagnosis and prescription treatment. Use CompareMyVet at app.comparemyvet.uk to find local vet practices and compare their consultation prices before booking an appointment for your dog.
Common questions
Sarcoptes scabiei from dogs can cause a brief, self-limiting skin irritation in humans — small red, intensely itchy bumps typically on the arms and torso. Because human skin is not the preferred host, the mites cannot complete their life cycle and the infestation self-resolves within a few weeks once the dog is treated. Human scabies is caused by a different strain.
For sarcoptic mange, significant improvement in itching is usually seen within two to four weeks of starting isoxazoline treatment. Full resolution of skin changes may take two to three months. Demodectic mange treatment is longer — three to twelve months of continued treatment is typical for generalised cases, with regular monitoring.
For sarcoptic mange, limiting contact with other dogs until treatment has begun is sensible, as it is highly contagious. Avoid dog parks, grooming salons and close contact with unfamiliar dogs during treatment. For demodectic mange, quarantine is not necessary as it is not contagious between adult dogs.
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